Game 44: What could have been vs. what is

We never try to make too much of a big deal about one game in these parts of the interweb, but we’re going to make an exception today. Not that tonight’s game means more than yesterday’s or tomorrow’s, but because of the theater involved. It’s Johan Santana vs. CC Sabathia, the ace the Yankees passed on to get the ace they wanted.

Rewind back to the 2007-2008 offseason, when the Twins make a 28-year-old two-time Cy Young Away winning lefthander available on the trade market. It was a natural fit for the Yankees – a star player who could front what was then a patchwork rotation – and they were willing to trade the prospect version of Phil Hughes. The three of us even started a campaign to keep all of the Yanks’ young pitchers in pinstripes. After a winter of he-said-she-saids, Santana finally landed in New York at the end of January, but with the Mets. Ironically enough, that was less than two months after the lefty declared he would only accept a trade to the Yanks or Red Sox. Funny how that works.

So Johan went off to Queens, and quite simply had a stellar season. He threw 234.1 innings of 3.66 xFIP ball and finished in the top three of the Cy Young voting for the fourth time in the five years. The Yanks, meanwhile, missed the playoffs for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, and the second-guessing of the non-trade started before the season was even half over. Santana’s declining peripheral stats (his BB/9, K/BB, AVG against, and xFIP all dropped for the fourth straight year) be damned, the was the guy the Yanks were supposed to have, and his absence is why they missed the postseason.

But, to be mind-numbingly cliche, GM Brian Cashman had an ace up his sleeve. Granted, it was a gamble of epic proportions, but passing on Johan was all by design. Another 28-year-old, Cy Young Award winning lefthanded ace was soon going to be available, except not in a trade, on the free agent market. CC Sabathia, the long-time Cleveland Indian was unlikely to return to the team given the fortune awaiting him on the open market, so Cashman decided to hold onto one set of assets (players) while using the team’s greatest resource (dollar dollar bills, y’all) to bring in a frontline starter.

Out of the race by mid-season, the Indians sent Sabathia to the Brewers for four prospects, and the fans in Cleveland thanked him for everything he’d done. Milwaukee, also unlikely to retain the big lefty beyond the season, rode CC right into the franchise’s first playoff berth in a quarter-century. He took to the mound 17 times and threw 130.2 innings for the team overall, but that’s not what he’ll be remembered for. Sabathia’s time in Cleveland will be remembered for taking the ball four times in the Brewers’ final eleven games with complete disregard for his health and impending free agency. With the season literally on the line in Game 162, CC threw a four hit complete game shutout against the Cubs, the National League’s best team by six games. The entire city of Milwaukee climbed about Sabathia’s broad shoulders, and he carried them right into the postseason.

After the season, Cashman put on the full court press. He had passed on Santana by choice, but he couldn’t let CC get away, so his opening bid was $140M on the very first day of free agency. It was a message to the rest of the league: don’t even think about it, he’s ours. Cashman dragged Reggie Jackson to dinners, wore his World Series ring(s) to meetings, flew coach to California in the middle of the night, he did everything that needed to be done to get Sabathia in the pinstripes. In the end, it took the largest contract ever given to a pitcher, but we know that was coming regardless of who he signed with.

One year and one World Championship later, Santana and Sabathia meet tonight for the first time as a Met and Yankee, respectively. It’s your guy, the one who wasn’t good enough for us, versus our the guy, the one with the ring and three fan bases in love with him. As far as May baseball goes, this is as good as it gets.

I think the Yankees offense is going to finally wake up this series with 5 runs through 6 innings off Johan, which may or may not be assisted by the Mets defense. Oh, an Teixeira will go 1-3 with a walk.

Just goes to show you how tough it is to turn it back on just b/c the calendar turns over. I just hope Teixeira doesn’t have any more bad months in him for the season. His May ’09 was sensational, so here’s hoping June ’10 comes close to it. This month’s a wash for sure.

28 this year

Wait, CC was offered that contract the first day of Spring Training? I thought it was offered the first day of free agency.

Tom Zig

I think he meant first day of winter meetings. CC signed Dec. 18.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

It was a free agency, just a typo.

Reggie C.

So does this spell the end to the Randy Winn experiment or is Joe G. simply going with the hotter bat at the moment?

Really Miller? The Mets have to be above .500 for them to play in October.

Tom Zig

has there ever been an example of a below .500 team making the playoffs in baseball?

Zack

Technically no: The Mets play the Nationals on Oct 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

/just saying

Cecala

Look at those 3 studs. Brains and Brawn, what could be better.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Wait…did Orel just say that CC/Johan met for a commercial for the subway system…?

FIPster Doofus

Orel Hershiser just said CC and Johan shot a commercial for the Subway system. These guys can’t get anything right.

mike c

hey cc this big new subway system is rilly big

Dela G

hahahaha orel doesnt know that the commercial was for subway sandwiches, not the MTA

Carlosologist

Joe Morgan’s stupidity just made my mind explode.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I literally have no idea what he just said. All I heard was “consistency.”

Carlosologist

I think he said that even though Wright is striking out a record pace, he’s still going to go over 30/100. I actually have a headache from that.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Well, he is on pace to go over 30/100; he just happens to be striking out a lot. He’s also on pace for a career high walk rate. This should tell us what we already know: lots of K’s =/= bad player.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Mark Reynolds went 40/100 last year and struck out 223 times

Across the pond

wow robbie’s at 3rd. Who said he’s lazy??!

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

Que?

Across the pond

Morgan said he was playing 3rd in what i assume was just a senior moment from him.

Across the pond

Miller even

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

Oh, my bad. I thought you were being for real.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Runs per game? From a hitter? Did Orel just make up a stat?

chriskeo

ESPN just said Gardner is in LF, and Russo is in CF, I assume ESPN is wrong? I’m gonna check gameday now.

Across the pond

They also said Cano at 3B and Swisher at 2B

Dela G

wait i thought russo was in LF?

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Is Russo in CF or was that just a dumb ESPN typo?

Frittoman626

Lets go CC, watch out for Barajas

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Every time Jeter gets a first pitch hit, I do the GRR to YAY face in 2 seconds flat.

Dela G

too easy for jetes

Frigidevil

Jeter drives me insane when he swings at the first pitch of the game, but oh is it pretty when it works

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

fgjds;ofjds

STOP CALLING FOR BUNTS IN THE FIRST INNING.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

How do you know it’s not Gardner’s idea?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Okay:

stop bunting in the first inning.

Fixed

austin

look Jeter hit it somewhere other than ss, even if it was still on the first pitch

Reggie C.

Gardner’s lucky that first pitch didnt bounce right into his face.

Dela G

i thought the same thing

cjc

he deserves to K for that bunt attempt dumb

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

That was ugly Gardy.

Raf

i think Gardner has swung and missed more times in this series than all season.

Frittoman626

Gardner is starting to suck

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

That was an awful AB.

Dela G

man gritt is really really slumping

cjc

by curve/slider he means that Santana doesn’t throw a curve Morgan you moron kill me now

Reggie C.

Check swing foul … 2 strikes on Teix now.

Not good. Changeup coming.

Dela G

didn’t santana used to throw a 97 MPH fastball?

or was that my imagination

cjc

he threw harder but never that hard

Dela G

oh ok, thx

Reggie C.

Imagination. The man never sat in the mid-90s range. Even in his best years with the Twins, Johan never sat at 95. He had every pitch going for him, so a 93 mph FB was all he ever needed. For sure he’s lost some velocity though.

mike c

there’s a lot riding on this game, apparently the loser is changing their name to “the little chocolatiers”

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I love it when Tex is late on 89 MPH fastballs. It’s so cool.

cjc

Tex needs a break totally lost

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I don’t even know what to say any more with Teixeira. Eesh.

Dela G

goodness he looks bad

Reggie C.

Teix still having trouble with the 89 mph FB. Wow.

http://yanksdraftsandprospects.blogspot.com/ Jake H

Teix needs a complete day or 2 off.

baby carlos

a week

Frittoman626

Tex needs to sit his next game

baby carlos

Well Tex, don’t feel bad, high school kids can’t hit an 89 mph fastball. So you don’t look any worse than a 16 yr old.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Oof. A-Rod has looked awful on anything low, away, and offspeed this series.

mike c

i really hope arod jacks one and tex gets 3 hits so we don’t have to hear this “analysis” for the entire game

Carlosologist

Miller sounds surprised that the Yanks completely wrecked a pitcher that didn’t bring his best stuff.

Also, Yankees suck chanters, check the goddamn standings.

baby carlos

seriously sad AB’s after Jeter.

Accent Shallow

Good thing Alex Cora wasn’t playing 2B for the Mets last year.

cjc

it might sound dumb but I feel like the Gardner AB changes the entire tone the rest of that inning bunting in the 1st inning is such a fucking waste

http://yanksdraftsandprospects.blogspot.com/ Jake H

Love it when guys are chasing 89 mph fastballs up. The whole team seems like it needs a day off to get their heads together.

Carlosologist

Does this mean that the series in Minny will be be better than these last few? (Tomorrow’s the off day)

cjc

I like the way you think

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I would like this a lot.

http://yanksdraftsandprospects.blogspot.com/ Jake H

16 minutes in and I’ve muted the game.

Dela G

damn you reyes

BigBlueAL

Man, that replay showed how really bad Jeter was going after that grounder.

Dela G

yeah it was a sad sight

Reggie C.

Impressive win for the RS today. RS hang 7 runs Halladay.

I guess that should definitively end talk of Halladay winning 30 games.

Dela G

the red sox own halladay throughout his career

chalk it up to that

cjc

maybe its just me but it seemes like the Sox have always handeled him pretty well

Frigidevil

Yeah, if anyone’s winning 30 it’s Jimenez. 8-1 in May?!

baby carlos

won’t happen, pitches at Coors Field

Frigidevil

I don’t think that matters much when you give up less than half a hit per inning.

baby carlos

Yankees top of the first – Jeter swings at first pitch. Gardner k’s, Tex k’s, ARod – pop up.

The Yankees have allowed Alex Cora to resemble a competent baseball player these past three nights. That saddens me.

YankeesJunkie

Was that Mike Harkey coming out to talk to Sabathia.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Yep, Eiland’s at his daughter’s confirmation.

Dela G

what the hell is going on here!!

this is the effing mets we’re playing

baby carlos

well there are 2 runs… bad throw cost the second

poster

We’re getting fucking killed in the second fucking inning.

Don’t be rational, I’m in a bad mood.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

I’m getting so much shit when I thought the Yankees would sweep form th Met fan friends.

Across the pond

That’s been coming from Bay in fairness.

Carlosologist

Goddamnit. —______—

Frittoman626

GAME OVER, this is what happens when you cant get a horrible batter out

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Goddamn it.

Reggie C.

Are in Fenway???

Yankees-suck chants, Jay Bay going deep … ARGH.

Reggie C.

I’m so upset i apparently can’t write a 4 word sentence.

Bay crushed it.

Raf

and that really might be all Johan needs. shit. lineup will have to step up now.

Dela G

wow what the eff

Hummingbird S.

Can we win a sunday night game?

FIPster Doofus

Or at least be competitive?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Holy hell that was a perfect power swing by Bay.

Across the pond

It’s an uppercut swing I’m hearing.

He has a nice uppercut movement.

/Morgan’d

bonestock94

Tex is having an extended April and CC delayed it till May.

baby carlos

Ahh shit… Bay again. Seriously, Yankees – Jason Bay?????? REALLY?

Dela G

man zz is at 44 pitches

Dr Van Nostrand

3rd pitch to Cora should and would have ended the inning

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Yessir. Like JGS and I said: robot umps, please!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Alright, time to chip away.

cjc

this team is frustrating as fuck right now shocking that Bay wkes up against us just shocking (massive eye roll)

Frittoman626

To little to late like i always say

YankeesJunkie

Finally, this horrible inning is over, time for the Yankees offense to step up and knock Santana around.

The Drake

They can’t knock around Pelfrey for the scrub the Mets were throwing at the Yanks on Friday, you really think they are going to get to Johan?

mike c

if sabathia gets that 3rd strike called then its still 0-0

Dela G

FINALLY!

The Drake

Wow, the Yankees are playing like crap right now. Even the Mets are smacking them up.

http://yanksdraftsandprospects.blogspot.com/ Jake H

Glad Lost is on so I can watch something good.

FIPster Doofus

Breaking Bad for me.

mike c

here @ 10

slappy white

if we dont score this inning im going out and find me a “slumpbuster”

Johan Iz My Brohan

Blue and Orange on the Empire State Building?

*shudders*

Carlosologist

Does CC go deep? I think so.

Carlosologist

A single’s fine.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

CC just put the best swing on a Johan fastball all night.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

CC!!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

That starts the rally!

mike c

CC sabathia = babe ruth

Carlosologist

he no bay rufe

/Ozzie Guillen’d

Across the pond

3 innings. 3 lead off hits.

Dela G

man cc is having the best non jeter/cano at-bat today

Reggie C.

Hah. CC helps his own cause!

Now if DJ can hit a 2 run homer, we dont have to worry about CC running the bases.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

STEAL CC!

Hummingbird S.

another inning, another leadoff single… we’ll get to Johan eventually

Raf

3rd straight leadoff batter on. make something happen

Dela G

CC with teh hit!

FIPster Doofus

I’m sensing a GIDP here. Hope not.

FIPster Doofus

Dead wrong. Excellent.

Good job, Jeter

Across the pond

Fair to say, Jete’s owns Johan.

baby carlos

:-) And just in case, that was for CC’s hit

The Drake

If the Yankees lose this game ,do they get knocked to third place?

Carlosologist

No.

Hummingbird S.

comon CC, gotta go to 3rd there lol

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Oh snap!

If Gardner squares here, I’m going to go apeshit.

Carlosologist

How is Miller confusing CC and Johan?

http://richardiurilli.wordpress.com/ Richard Iurilli

Morgan just called Sabathia “Santana” — twice.

Across the pond

He’s like the lovable grandparent who just can’t get anything right

Pat D

When was Joe Morgan ever lovable?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Yeah, except he’s not your grandpa so you can hate him.

Across the pond

Correct.

poster

And isn’t loveable.

Patrick

need at least 2 of these runs back

Dela G

it’s sabathia, not santana…

baby carlos

who said santana instead of sabathia

Dela G

john miller said it like 5 times this games

baby carlos

Wow 2-2…. Jeter and not on the first pitch. Nice.

slappy white

come on grit

Randy Lose

after what happened to Wang a while back, I get real nervous with the pitchers running the bases…especially if they’re not quite in shape like CC

slappy white

round is a shape

Raf

him being a big guy does not mean hes not in shape

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

If CC wasn’t in shape he couldn’t pitch. He is probably more in shape than you or I.

But I know what you mean.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Wooo Jeter lives! If CC wasn’t on, that might have been a double? Maybe not with Frenchy’s arm but he hit it hard and that makes me happy.

Across the pond

Nooooooo

Patrick

shit

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I hate Gardner’s regression so much.

Raf

ughhhhhh

Frittoman626

Like i said, Gardner sucks

Hummingbird S.

Pathetic AB by Gardner… can we have Swisher batting 2nd, please?

slappy white

double play and a Tex K ?

Lily-BK

is it time to drop gardner down??

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

May Nick Swisher please stand up.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

One more and Gardy is below .300?

Carlosologist

Grit GIDP’d? Noooooooooooo

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

So when was the last time Tex hit a fly ball?

poster

You could see that coming from a mile away.

Frittoman626

Tex is even worse, EVERY FUCKEN TIME AHHHH!!!!

Raf

this is ridiculous at this point. holes at the top of the lineup

baby carlos

wow… Tex continues to amaze ….

Across the pond

OK, that’s tough to take. Not over yet, but that does not help.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

argity bargity.

Accent Shallow

DFA Tex, please.

/kidding. Chan Ho Park, though.

Carlosologist

If Tex was DFA’d, every team in baseball would jump on that shit.

Pat D

Not really. Anyone who claimed him on waivers would also be on the hook for the rest of his salary. Anyone other than Boston who might do that right now?

Across the pond

Mets?

Pat D

I thought they’ve been pleading poverty lately, too. And I thought they just love Ike Davis.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Seattle, maybe?

Accent Shallow

I don’t know, that’s a big contract.

(Not that he would or should be)

FIPster Doofus

The Gardner regression is in full swing. Swisher’s gonna have to hit second.

Frittoman626

I dont think even Pujols can help the Yanks offence ut this series

Frittoman626

Offense out, my bad

BigBlueAL

The Yankees are nice guys saving Jerry Manuel’s job for now. lol

The Drake

Gardner is suited for the 4th outfielder job and pinch runner.

Harold Moskowitz

profound…

slappy white

Seriously WTF is up with Tex ? Maybe a night at Scores with ARod would help,,,,Ill buy the shots

Evan in NYC

The stat they flashed his first AB almost made me cry. Worst start of his career in basically all categories.

slappy white

its not like hes getting robbed of hits. his swing is horrible right now

Evan in NYC

That was painful to watch.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

As for Tex, the karma for that Jolly Green Giant haircut is definitely catching up with him.

Ballam

this offense is horrendous they have not hit at all with runners in scoring position or in anytime for that matter major changes need to be made because the team sucks right now

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

this offense is horrendous they have not hit at all with runners in scoring position or in anytime for that matter

they suck right now (as in over the last three games) but they lead the league in RS, dude.

Evan in NYC

I feel like anytime there is a RISP it’s up to Gardner, Cervelli, Winn, Thames and Tex to knock them in. Tex will come around (eventually, right?) and Cervelli has been playing out of his mind. But now they are coming back to their norms and not getting the job done. Granderson and Posada can’t get back soon enough.

mbonzo

9 games over .500 without their starting catcher, centerfielder, and DH as well as countless injuries in the bullpen and others dispersed to Thames and Swisher. They are doing really good if you ask me.

Frittoman626

We need CC batting 8th, Tex batting 9th, and Swish batting 2nd

Lily-BK

lol that prob would work out fine

markInCA

Its amazing how one minute the boys are on fire, the next we look like the pirates.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

baseball is a fun sport.

Lily-BK

whats even more frustrating about this team is they dont seem to show life and mount comebacks. look at what boston did agianst us 2nights were down but managhed to take the lead… look at the rays they never give up! but the yanks, ofcourse keeo swingin at the first pitch and shit like that will happen

This team is just in a horrible slump on all fronts right now. Injuries, lack of timely hitting, some bad starts and extremely inconsistent bullpen work. The problem is that Tampa is still playing lights out, Toronto has yet to fall apart (they will), and Boston appears to be straightening themselves out. They can’t afford to keep playing like this for much longer.

all of those are due for some major regression, four of them in the good direction. Damn, Shields has been good this year

Pat D

Yea, I’m waiting for them to all come down. Price pitched pretty horribly today, but still won! (meaningless, I know)

Wow, I can’t wait until the Yankees play the Astros.

rek4gehrig

If they continue to play this badly, they will lose to the ‘stros

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Price pitched pretty horribly today, but the Rays still won!

that is very important.

Pat D

Yea, I said that Price winning was meaningless. Obviously by saying Price won, it means the Rays won. Calm down.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

UZR Reference!

Across the pond

His range is definitely back down this year

Pat D

But his UZR/150 is still like +4 or something.

Reggie C.

Is that adjusted weekly?

Across the pond

Range runs is -0.2 according to fangraphs.

Pat D

I saw that number today on No Maas. I do think they mentioned that his range is down, but I didn’t click on the link.

Across the pond

His fielding of the simple plays is keeping his overall rating up it seems

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Probably the lack of errors.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Now he calls that location a strike? Beautiful.

Frittoman626

out of subject, bet you that Halladay would be a Burnett type pitcher with the Yanks

Dela G

seeing that the red sox own him, it wouldnt shock me, but he would easily be a sub 3.0 ERA pitcher with the yanks

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I bet he’d be a Roy Halladay type pitcher with the Yanks.

poster

This.

Raf

based on what? he’d suddenly stop being one of the top 5 pitchers in the game?

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Yeah….. no

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

That could have been a HR at YS3.

mbonzo

I don’t think so. Its more likely Swisher’s fly out would have been a HR in YS3 though.

Evan in NYC

If we can’t put up at least one run here, game over.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I terribly miss tsjc, he would be very entertaining right about now.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Stupid baby taking up all his time…

slappy white

my idiot metfan friend is texting me every batter…..WE MUST SCORE

Dela G

the offday cant come soon enough

Frittoman626

Its going to be a bad day for me at school tomorrow if the Yankees lose this game today, losing the series to the Mets is worse than that Rays sweep

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Grandy can’t come back fast enough.

Hummingbird S.

31 strikes out of 40 pitches is just amazing.

Dela G

this is depressing

slappy white

apparently we cant get out fast enough

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Johan has the hitters so off balance tonight. He’s pitching absolutely wonderfully. It doesn’t help that the hitters are slumping, but Johan’s been just filthy tonight.

And of course Swish rips one right to Bay. Goddammit.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

This. It’s a combination of the offense being really stinky right now and Johan being extremely good.

poster

I don’t think he’s been healthy. Swish just ripped a ball and they got runners on, IIRC, every inning. Not that he’s pitching terrible, but we should’ve gotten a run by now.

poster

Why did I write the word healthy? I meant great. Not healthy. Great.

Weird.

Hummingbird S.

4-5-6 hitters go down in 7 pitches. This one might be over already.

Raf

7 pitch inning. Johan is gonna eat them up at the rate hes going.

Frittoman626

How come its easy for teams to come back against the Yankees, but other teams need just 3 runs for a win against them

Hummingbird S.

If the other team only score 3 runs, we’ll win about 95% of the time.

Lily-BK

seriously!! other than the bostin comeback ( which shouldve been an easy win) yanks cant come back and win against anyone

poster

O:S

(Join me here, people. It’s a good strategy.)

baby carlos

wow 7 pitch inning. They are looking like they did last year to start the season. Whole lotta suck, with a glimmer here and there.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

And gee whiz I wonder how last season ended up.

baby carlos

ha… living in the past. But using last year is a small sample size. Previous years not so much. But nice jab, your cool.

poster

I have no idea what this comment means.

slappy white

Joe G, otherwise engaged= taking a nap

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

So how long will the Empire State Building be orange and blue?

rek4gehrig

It’ll be blue and white..the game isnt over yet

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

BOOM.

Hummingbird S.

How’s Granderson’s rehab? How many games does he have to play in Scranton before he comes back?

JimmieFoxx

Could someone please enlighten me as to why lefties are slower to the plate than righties?

Across the pond

Cause Joe said so.

There may be no actual explanation.

slappy white

cause they are using the wrong hand. I tried it and I was slow as hell

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Really?

sincerely,
Mark Buehrle

Frittoman626

The Yankees are the best team against lefty pitchers MY ASS

FIPster Doofus

Johan’s no ordinary lefty

Across the pond

Cora and Davis are getting on my tits this series

phughesisgod

I hate ESPN games. I never get dead tired watching baseball games. Even when the game is on Fox, I at least can yell at them through the TV. The ESPN crew just puts me to sleep, I really cant take them. Morgan and Miller are horrible, and Orel Hersheiser is making it even worse.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

This commercial annoys me but Pedroia was adorable. =/

slappy white

yuck

Carlosologist

Some hot stove stuff I read: Andy Pettitte projects to be a Type A after the season. He’s only four points above the cutoff of 74.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Therefore, if Cashman offers him arbitration and he declines and then signs somewhere else, the Yankees would get two draft picks.

Somehow, I don’t see that situation happening

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Can Cashman offer him arbitration and then he retires, and the same thing happens? Or does it not work that way?

Also, how do Type A/B FAs work?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

No, they only get the picks if he signs somewhere else. If they offer him arb and he retires, nothing happens.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Type A/B only matters if the guy signs elsewhere. If he retires, then it doesn’t matter.

If another team signs your Type A after he declines arbitration from you, you get that team’s first round pick as well as a sandwich round pick.

If another team signs your Type B after he declines arbitration from you, you get a sandwich pick

Carlosologist

Type A: If team A signs a type A free agent that has been offered arbitration but declines, the FA’s original team gets team A’s first round draft pick and a compensation pick in a supplementary round.

Type B: The FA’s original team only gets a compensation pick.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

when I asked how type A/B worked… I know how it works if they went to FA. I meant how do they decide the difference between A and B?

Carlosologist

The Elias Sports Bureau decides how this happens by a point system they have.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

An archaic and byzantine algorithm that makes no logical sense but is based on performance in the previous couple of years

Carlosologist

I know Andy isn’t going to sign elsewhere, I just wanted to point out that if every member of the rotation was a FA to be, they’d all be Type A.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Thanks for all your answers, guys.

If Andy doesn’t retire and he’s a type A and we re-sign him, do we lose draft picks?

Tom Zig

Nope. Can’t lose picks from re-signing your own players.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

I’ve said this before but you can get that “little” guy out by playing on a real baseball field. Then you’ll see those too weak or too slow comments again. Seriously if he was traded to another team I’d love to see the results.

slappy white

agreed

Frittoman626

While i do think Granderson wont make an immediate impact, he cant be worse than Winn, does anybody have any news Aceves and when he will be back

phughesisgod

What is going on tonight with the managers? They normally get both for alittle Q&A for a whole half inning. Girardi wasnt available, and Manuel wasnt there at first then came for like 1 question.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

They’re wising up and not talking to the creatures that inhabit the booth.

Across the pond

always thought there was some contractual thing that made them do it – could never see why they would otherwise.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I guarantee Russo hasn’t seen any changeups like that before.

Dela G

this

is

sucking

ass

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I saw that movie being shot in NYC last summer.

Frittoman626

Im calling a Santana shut-out with 10 K’s, oh yeah and RIP Jose Lima

Kevin G.

Way to have confidence…

Raf

its like 2009 all over again with Bay

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Sonofa…

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Bay kills the Yankees.

baby carlos

No the yankees kill the yankees and pitches in his zone.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Well you can root for the Mutts if you want.

poster

Bay still needs to hit the pitches. And he’s still playing awesome vs. the Yankees. Thus, Bay kills the Yankees.

Across the pond

Mike did call this on his twitter before the series.

blackdragon905

Why do we continue to pitch Bay on the outside corner?!?!?! That’s the only place that he really gets hits off of!!!!!!!!!!!

Hummingbird S.

I hate to see our starters sucking like this. CC has no command whatsoever. His pitches are mostly up but when he gets them down it’s in the middle of the strikezone.

Carlosologist

Bay is known to go into prolonged slumps in streaks. A prolonged streak was bound to come. I would have hoped he would have broken out against the Phils.

Poopy Pants

Can we trade CC or Hughes for a clutch hitter?

WIlliam

sarcasm?

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I know the Red Sox would have paid too much for Bay’s decline but I’m pretty damn glad they didn’t re-sign him because he murders us.

All around fail from the Yankees tonight. Offense, defense and pitching are all sucking. Let’s hope this is rock bottom and thigns go up from here on out.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I believe it is.

Joe West’s Music Career

Would this mean losing this series to the Mets makes the Mets, this years Nationals?

Hey. Before you dismiss this idea, check the NL East standings…

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I’m actually writing about that for my 11 AM post as we speak.

WIlliam

Wow.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

What happened there, Kevin? That was kind of ugly.

Hummingbird S.

Not his fault CC is pitching like Igawa and giving up rockets.

bonestock94

Not interested in this game anymore, I’ll keep gamecast on and if it’s a tie game I’ll turn the TV back on…

Carlosologist

The defense has been looking pretty sloppy tonight.

Raf

yea…just have Santana not make you guys look like minor leaguers for the rest of the game.

day off will be needed tomorrow.

baby carlos

KC may sweep us. Ok just kidding, but seriously, Scranton is better right now.

WIlliam

not quite.

poster

I would take the ML Yanks over the Scranton Yanks every time, without question.

slappy white

Triple A infielder playing leftfield for the Yankees ? Really ? we need depth

Harold Moskowitz

question: how do you know the difference btw a slump and a regression — and what formula are you determining that with?

Accent Shallow

If a good player is performing poorly, it’s a slump. If a bad player is performing poorly, is a regression.

/half serious

Harold Moskowitz

thanks. that’s funny sh*t. actually, i meant to post my comment as a reply to one of the “Gardner’s imminent regression / he’s a 4th OF” posters.

Patrick

less than a week ago we were 1 game out–now it will be 6. ugh

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

And in less than a week we can be 1 game out. Baseball is funny like that.

Pat D

Gotta admire your unending optimism.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

it’s not so much optimism because I feel like crap right now about this game as truth. There are 120ish games left. That’s a looootta baseball.

Pat D

I know. 5-10 (assuming no comeback tonight) over the last 15 days just feels like the absolute worst.

I’m also listening to my dad railing against them in every which way. Right now he’s bitching endlessly about Sabathia and I basically just told him to shut up because he said this same stuff at the same time last year.

Across the pond

Geno – Right on cue to remind us it’s only a game

Bob Stone

I know it’s just a slump, but this is really embarrasing.

baby carlos

Yankees have single handedly saved Jerry Manual’s job, for now.

http://www.soxandpinstripes.net JGS

Mets fans are not thanking the Yankees for this

The Drake

This has been a real bad week. Losing to the Rays is understandable but losing to the Mets in this fashion is a joke.

Patrick

hopefully this is the low point of the year. I feel pretty low–can’t take anything worse than this crap.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Stretching Joba out mid-season didn’t work? He was mowing through guys in ’08 before getting hurt. I love revisionist history. Maybe it’s because I’m young–maybe some more experienced fans can help me out here–but I can’t remember anything like this in terms of narratives w/any other player but Joba. Anyone got anything?

Accent Shallow

Joba succeeding in the rotation doesn’t fit the media narrative, so that’s something we can expect to hear go unacknowledged.

Harold Moskowitz

I’m not so sure about that … his first start a few yrs back was like a media EVENT … I think a lotta people were pulling for him as a starter

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I can’t think of anyone in the MSM–maybe Pete Abe–who said Chamberlain should start from the outset.

Across the pond

Has Jeter seen more than 5 pitches in his 3AB?

Raf

two pitches, two weak GB to 3rd for Teix

Raf

6 pitch inning, 63 so far for Santana. this is not the Yankees lineup from earlier in the year.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

SIX PITCHES?! SIX FUCKING PITCHES?!

My word.

bonestock94

If the Yankees don’t improve they’ll have to go to the secret weapon.

Across the pond

uugh can’t do anymore. Work in 4 hours. I’ll have to finish this game in my dreams.

Something tells me it’ll end better that way.

slappy white

seriously. how many total minutes have the Yankees batted tonight ? Tex 1 for 26 ? aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh

baby carlos

Wow… Tex’s offense is painful to watch. His defense on the other hand, well worth the money he is making.

slappy white

then maybe he needs to move down in order if they are now paying for defense…….sorry, but hes breakin my heart

baby carlos

or just needs a couple days off.

slappy white

i know i do

baby carlos

Yankees have 4 hits, 2 by Jeter, 1 by Cano, and the other by the pitcher formerly in the game named CC.

potent!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Oh fucking please. That was unintentional.

Zooboy

Joe’s gonna get himself tossed here…(umps an idiot!)

Randy Lose

i wish it was a fastball

Frittoman626

It should have hit him in the head, yeah im that fucked up

slappy white

ARod predictions anyone ?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Well, the game is mostly out of reach and A-Rod is the king of unclutch. He’ll definitely homer here.

Frigidevil

single to right

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Gatorade’s new money making scheme sure looks clever.

baby carlos

Best pitch a Yankee pitcher threw all night, just should have been a fast ball instead of a weak curve.

Frittoman626

poster

?

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

?

baby carlos

Best thing for the Yankees, no more appearances on ESPN. Think they have only won once on ESPN this year.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I cheered a baserunner.

baby carlos

can I also?

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I ain’t the boss of ya.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Better review that shit.

Frittoman626

To make this night even worse, they have to talk about the Rays, lets see if they are like this during the second half

Frittoman626

Sorry to say it isnt a Home Run

http://richardiurilli.wordpress.com/ Richard Iurilli

It hit the orange line. That’s a homer, right?

Raf

they just said that. what the hell kinda rule is that? so odd

Hummingbird S.

according to Orel, if it hits the orange line, it’s a HR

Raf

man cant even catch some luck with a couple extra inches for that HR

Randy Lose

orel says it’s a homer

Adam

All the more reason to think it wasn’t…

Frittoman626

Citi field has the worst dimesions ever , no wonder no Home Runs are hit here

Adam

Seriously when building this park they didn’t think to make the line color different from the foul pole?

Michael Kay maybe? On his radio show he talks about Joba belonging as a starter.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Really? I haven’t heard him say that.

Adam

Steve Goldman on the YES site has from the get go pretty much, right?

dkidd

tough week

yanks will get healthy and tampa is about to start playing actual major league teams. things will turn around soon

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Said it before, will say it again: this week is the dramatic sad part on the 2010 Yankees’ World Series DVD.

Adam

Wait…that isn’t the part when they talk about releasing Edwar and Bruney?

dkidd

last spring was much worse:

the rain
the empty seats behind home
the bandbox hysteria

this year is frustrating, but nowhere near as grim

Adam

Sure the last few weeks have been frustrating (dangit since I went to see them in Detroit!), but we’ve been throwing out our B team for a while now thanks to odd injuries and such. All things considered we’re still in good shape. Our starters carried us for a while, sometimes pitchers have bad starts. it will all even out and the offense and pitching will both key in at the same time.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Yeah, I agree with you. It looks real grim right now. It won’t for very much longer.

Adam

Not to mention the fact that if they hold on in the game against Boston and complete the rally against Tampa,I bet people feel a lot different.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Well… eh. We could play the what if game all day.

Adam

Sure, am just sayin…if someone had given me the laundry list of injuries before the season started and told me the Yanks’ record right now, I would take it in a heartbeat.

Frittoman626

Ok lets look at possible trade tergets for the Yankees. Who should the Yankees think about this trade deadline

Don’t forget trading Girardi for Torre, plus a pitching coach to be named later.

Adam

Dangit! I meant to write “a binder to be named later” but somehow brainfarted.

dkidd

john sterling and rob thompson for vin scully and larry bowa?

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

You forgot Halladay, Cliff Lee and Ubaldo Jiminez, among others.

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

reply fail

Hummingbird S.

Melky and IPK for Pujols!!! oh wait..

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Who do they need?

Tom Zig

the puma that is big.

Tom Zig

well not need. but want

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

He’d be nice but not really at that price.

dkidd

trade logan for delcarmen, then flip him for a smoak-type bat

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Golf clap.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

+1

Well done.

Frittoman626

Come on guy’s, for real

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

For real? Probably something just like last trade deadline–an extra OF/IF. Maybe.

I think we’ll see guys like Huffman, Winfree, and Curtis get shots in the OF first, though.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Who do they honestly need? Infield is set. Catcher too when Jorge comes back. Outfielders maybe, depends on how Grandy performs after the injury and how Gardy does. But a trade replacement probably wouldn’t be necessary.

DH possibly but who’s available that isn’t slumping and not terribly expensive to warrant the need? Maybe at the deadline they get a starter if someone goes down Mo forbid.

Drew

Assuming Nick Johnson comes back healthy mid July, only to then stub his toe and sit the rest of the season, I’m hoping the Yanks target a DH. Unfortunately, I don’t see a trade happening, guys like D-Lee and Berkman will just cost too much. So I’m just praying Thames and Miranda hold down the DH fort, I’m confident they can.

Other than that, we don’t really need anything. Who knows what relievers will be available in a month.

Frittoman626

Is Dye an option, seriously

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

I’d welcome that tough he’s a FA and said trade.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I’d rather sign Dye to DH for half a year than trade something valuable for a partial season of someone like Lee or Berkman.

Drew

Is Sheff an option? Dukes? Sure, they’re options, not likely ones though. A guy like Dye will need a minimum of 3 weeks to get ready, and at this point in his career, he’s essentially Marcus Thames.

Frittoman626

Maybe Bobby Jenks

Hummingbird S.

Here comes the rally

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Is that the rally starter?!

/endlessly optimistic’d

Frittoman626

WTF is Thames doing

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Exactly what he was supposed to do. Stay out of the double play.

http://yanksgoyard.com Andy_C_23

Avoiding the double play

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

I won’t be surprised if 75 of Jeter’s outs have been groundballs.

Hummingbird S.

I’ve had enough of Gardner in the 2-hole.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

That’s what Brett’s wife said?

Adam

Yeah, because he’s too gritty.

dkidd

but you were fine with a johnson in the 2-hole?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

TEX TOOK A PITCH!

Progress!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

And now a single! Small steps!

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

A Teix hit!

Frittoman626

You are to late Tex, DAMNIT

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Tex lives?

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

PC for teh Johanz?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Blaaaaaaaah when he’s going right, Al takes that over the fence in right.

Hummingbird S.

That was the perfect pitch for A-Rod to hit, up and away… don’t know why he stared at it

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Johan goes back to the changeup again. Might as well, right?

Drew

Sick AB by Al.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

YESS JOHAN IS OUT!

Let’s go CLUTCH CANO!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

I can has bloop and blast then tie game?!

Frittoman626

Is Bobby Jenks an option for the pen, the White Sox want to get rid of him, wont cost them any high leveled prospects, and would be a great set-up for Mo, or closer if he gets injured for some reason

TheLastClown

Joba > Jenks.

Frigidevil

So if Cano knocs a few runs in here, I think it could be a slump-buster. If not, Tuesday’s not that far away

dkidd

come on ribbie

Frittoman626

Lets Go Cano!!!!

Hummingbird S.

Swing at that shit Cano.. comon

baby carlos

Bloody Hell… step away and Tex gets a hit.

Nice. now try and keep it going there, Tex.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Well that was anti-climactic.

Frittoman626

Not surprised, this was the Yankees of this week

Hummingbird S.

yeah, that sums up the Yankees right now..

Frittoman626

Again, Is Bobby Jenks an option for the pen, the White Sox want to get rid of him, wont cost them any high leveled prospects, and would be a great set-up for Mo, or closer if he gets injured for some reason

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

The bullpen will improve. They do this every year. Now I’d give a definite answer if I knew if he was a Type A or B and how much his contract is.

Adam

Remember the whole “having a budget” thing? They aren’t going to take on a 7 mill/year player as a setup man when they already have one.

Frittoman626

Since when did the Yankees care about a budget, this is why we dont have Damon and Matsui,their lineup doesnt put fear into anybody anymore

WIlliam

It did in April. Injuries have derailed it, not the players.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

The Yankees’ original lineup is quite awesome and if you didn’t fear it as an opposing team member, you were silly. Yes, WITHOUT Matsui and Damon.

Carlosologist

Because of this dumbass comment, you are now being O:S.

rek4gehrig

Boone is in…time for me to go to bed

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Could this night get any worse?! Boone Logan had a great inning so now he’s not going to get sent down!!!!

(I am mostly exaggerating for effect but the sentiment is at least 2% there.)

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

It could be a reverse thing, though. He’s done poorly and has stayed so maybe if he does well, they’ll send him down.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Joe just said something that actually made sense. Oswalt could make sense for the Mets.

bonestock94

I hope he goes to the Nats, maybe he’d give them a chance at the WC.

WIlliam

Who pinch hits in the 9 spot?

Frittoman626

Miranda

Frittoman626

Lets play who’s more anoying, K-Rod or Valverde

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Valverde. Hands down.

Carlosologist

After a save, he apparently takes an epic shit on the mound.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I dislike K-Rod more because I feel like the Yankees have played against him more but Valverde’s antics are ridiculous. He was kissing the ground when he threw a strike! Not even strikeouts but strikes!

Adam

Valverde’s nickname is “El Papa Grande.” Enough said.

Frigidevil

I have to go with K-rod, because he should know better, yet he’s gotten worse and worse over his career

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Ugh neighborhood rule.

WIlliam

yay!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Derek get the bat down!

Zooboy

I thought both teams were warned not to accidently throw errant curve balls. No ejection?

Tom Zig

shouldn’t K-rod get tossed for that?

WIlliam

Uhg, Gardner is on deck, in an abysmal slump.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Or regression to the mean.

WIlliam

That 2.

Frigidevil

Seriously john miller? Meer-AHND-uh for Miranda? no. just no.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Well, if I’m saying his name properly, that is with an accent, that’s how I say it.

That was an excellent at-bat by Jeter with a pretty much optimal result. Hooray!!!!

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Gardner looked safe…

Pat D

Are they just teasing us again?

Alex S

Fuck! looked like Gardy was safe

Frigidevil

Bull

WIlliam

Soooooooo close.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Bullshit call.

Adam

What crap!

WIlliam

Listening to Sterling, safe or out?

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Could’ve gone either way.

poster

Glad I’m not wtaching.

Tex needs to blast one here.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Wow. I’ll take it. Wow Tex. Wow.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

LET’S GO AROD!!!

FIPster Doofus

Up to A-Rod

Frigidevil

WOW talk about an ugly single

Carlosologist

Damn Tex. Nice hustle right there.

Drew

Come on Al. Just try and hit it hard my man.

WIlliam

Walk of 3-run home run?

WIlliam

*go-ahead

Tom Zig

Germans?

Tom Zig

Battle within in a battle…up steps the other Rodriguez.

Alex S

COME ON A-ROD!

JobaTheHeat62

joe morgan takes retarded to new levels

Pat D

Teix gets lucky swinging on first pitch.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

So if it goes to the bottom, Miranda plays 1B and the pitcher goes to Pena’s spot>

Alex S

here comes the dropped pop up with Tex running REALLy hard

JobaTheHeat62

no castillo tho :(

Alex S

D’Oh!

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

But one of those times was a dropped ball Miller.

Drew

OOFA. That was his pitch. Hopefully he gets another.

Frigidevil

Green light here?

WIlliam

Please don’t k A-rod.

http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Ugh that’s THE pitch.

JobaTheHeat62

that is a bummer….arod just missed that shit with that swing

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Gaaaaaaah! Alex that was ball four!

WIlliam

Don’t swing at that A-rod!

Brent

God damn. My heart is going to explode.

WIlliam

8th pitch of this ab coming up.

http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

Shitty.

Alex S

Damn good pitch by K-rod…….

Tom Zig

Damn. Buzz kill.

WIlliam

Fuck! Soooo close.

Pat D

Tease over. They better get their act in order soon…

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Aaargh. Great at-bats.

I should be happy they’re fighting back almost all the time, right?

poster

Honestly, and I’m one of the guys who thinks they’re perfectly fine and merely slumping…not really.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Yeah, I know the feeling. (I’m in the same boat.)

Drew

Sure why not? Unfortunately, imo it’s not like we’re just getting beat, we’re playing some bad ball at times. For me, that’s what kind of kills the positives of almost coming back. Plus, the past couple weeks the Paul O’Neill theory hasn’t really been working.

Drew

Eh. At least someone on the team is putting good AB’s together. Got em with the change, can’t really complain.

poster

I think that was a pretty bad AB by A-Rod. He missed two mistake pitches. The really grievous one was that 91 MPH fastball right down the middle of the plate. It practically screamed, “Crush me!”

Drew

Anytime you make a good pitcher throw 8 pitches in an AB you’re doing something right.

poster

Just because he’s a good pitcher doesn’t mean he was pitching well during this particular game. Sorry, but when you get not one, but two mistake pitches in an at-bat and you’re a hitter of A-Rod’s caliber not to capitalize on that is a bad AB.

Johan Iz My Brohan

Damn

Hummingbird S.

A-Rod choked big time there. He had two 90mph meatballs right down the middle and couldn’t even put it in play. Pretty pathetic AB, especially the swing-and-miss on a hanging slider in the middle of the zone.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

that at-bat =/= choking

You’re getting back to your old ways :(

Tom Zig

he did miss on some fat pitches though

poster

I don’t believe in choking. But like Tom Zig pointed out, he DID miss some pitches he should’ve crushed there.

Hummingbird S.

to me, that was. I’m sorry if you don’t agree. He had great pressure on him to come through there and he didn’t. He missed pitches he normally handles easily and swung through a pretty bad pitch. That to me is choking.

I’m not saying he can’t come through in the clutch and all that other non-sense that people write about him, but this time he really did choke.

No one hits 1.000 in “clutch” situations. Just because they make an out doesn’t make it choking. Even if a guy hits 400 in that situation, he’s failed the majority of the time.

Tom Zig

this.

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

Yep.

Plus, he’s had two recent, HUUUUUUGE game-tying hits against Boston and Minnesota.

FIPster Doofus

At this point, A-Rod is the last person I would ever accuse of choking. The guy’s earned lifetime immunity with me after everything he did last season and the enormous hits he’s already amassed this year. He didn’t get a hit in the ninth tonight. So what? Not everyone can get a hit in every must situation; it’s part of the game to fail more than you succeed as a hitter.

poster

That was a fucking great pitch by K-Rod. Damn.

How the fuck did A-Rod miss that 91 MPH pitch right down the fucking middle?

man that was heartbreaking, but hey, at least the team finally gets a day off. It seems as if they havent had a day off in 2 weeks

http://twitter.com/rebexarama bexarama

I’m pretty sure they literally haven’t

Frigidevil

May 6th, so 2 1/2

Dela G

holy crap that’s ridiculous

i had no idea

http://richardiurilli.wordpress.com/ Richard Iurilli

I’m beginning to think that Paul O’Neill’s career as a philosopher was over before it really began.

mike

It’s a small complaint, but it still drives me crazy how Girardi continually pinch runs when the guy at first is the tying run.

Drew

Well, there is no bottom of the ninth if that tying run doesn’t score. Pena gives us a better chance to score that run there. Teix isn’t exactly fleet at foot.

mike

It’s not as pointless doing it with Tex as it is when he does it with Arod, but it’s still bad. There are just so few plays that the difference in speed between Pena and Tex will be the determining factor between scoring and not.

It has basically no effect on the teams chance of winning, but it’s just annoying that he insists on doing something that has a negative impact, however slight.

Tom Zig

I don’t think it has a negative impact. Pena is a lot faster than Tex. And really, when is the next time Tex will get up to bat?

Drew

That has nothing to do with this game though. Pinch running for Teix there gives you a better chance of scoring on a double or a misplayed single. That run is rather important.

Carlosologist

Something annoying: The Empire State Building will be blue and orange until presumably the next meeting.

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The Gleyber Torres Watch

Gleyber's season is over. He suffered a torn left (non-throwing) elbow ligament on a play at the plate on June 17th and had Tommy John surgery on June 21st. He is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training 2018. The Prospect Watch Curse strikes again!